Is this the first time an APD officer has been charged in connection to an officer-involved death?

No. In 1977, Officer James Babich was charged and eventually exonerated in the beating death of another man.

What does the Albuquerque Police Department have to say about this hearing?

In January, APD released a statement that said; "This case is a matter of great concern to the community, the City of Albuquerque, the Albuquerque Police Department and the involved officers. Having the case presented to a district court judge at a preliminary hearing will permit the evidence to be presented in a transparent and public forum."